For Parents

It is not uncommon for mental health concerns to arise at any point during a student’s college career.

If you feel a child, or dependent, is struggling with their mental health, do not hesitate to consult with Counseling Services at 508-929-8072 or counseling_wsu@worcester.edu.

If a student is experiencing a mental health crisis, expressing self harm, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting others, please call 911 or take the student to your local emergency room.

Here are a list of possible red flags you may observe or may be communicated to you:

• Change in sleep and/or appetite
• Low energy and motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling revved up
• Racing thoughts, not being able to “turn off their brain,”
• Loss of interest in prior activities
• Withdrawal
• Sadness, irritability or anger
• Increased substance use
• Inability to complete schoolwork

Here are some tips on how to support your student during this time:

• Check in with students about how they are coping with the transition to college.
• Remind them about campus supports.
• Voice any concerns you may have and problem solve together.
• Resist the urge to lecture.
• Hold off on judgments.
• Be open about your expectations.
• Listen to what they have to say about how they would like to be treated.
• Encourage students to stick with a schedule. Routines help create a sense of normalcy.
• Remind them about academic supports.

Additional Resources: 

• Set to Go For Families: Leaving high school and entering adulthood is a huge transition for your teen and you. Set to Go is here to support you through it with user-friendly resources that have straightforward steps you can take to support your teen as they transition to adulthood.

• Caring for Your Child’s Mental Health From Afar: Tips for guardians from the JED Foundation

• Going to College with a Mental Health Condition: A JED resource for youth and guardians